Here’s something you may have never heard before. A mild toothache is like dusting your ceiling fan blades or replacing your fridge filter. It’s a chore most of us put off. You’ll get to it tomorrow, except tomorrow becomes the next day and the next day after that.
After reading this article, you’ll change your mind. A mild toothache could be an early warning sign of a serious issue. Addressing it as early as possible can help you avoid this oral health issue before it gets worse.
4 Reasons to Book a Dental Appointment Right Now
1. You Could Have Gum Recession
Receding gums could be why you experience tooth sensitivity. When the gums recede, they expose parts of the tooth not protected by enamel. Without this covering, you may experience pain when eating hot or cold foods and sugary treats. Gum recession may also indicate you are in the early stages of gum disease.
2. You Could Have a Cavity
Cavities are another source of pain in the mouth. When left untreated, this tooth decay can worsen over time and create a lot of oral health issues.
3. You Could Be Grinding Your Teeth
Tooth pain could signify you clench and grind your teeth at night.
The power of your jaw and teeth can wield considerable damage to your oral health. One bite can exert 250 pounds of force! Over time, this pressure can wear away enamel, fracture teeth, and damage fillings.
4. You Could Be Sick
At the end of the day, a toothache may not even be an oral health issue at all; it could be a symptom of a sinus infection.
Your sinuses are larger than you think — they sprawl from above the eyebrows to just above your teeth. A sinus infection can cause the tissue near your teeth to become inflamed, which can cause pain in the upper molars.
What Barriers Stand in Your Way of Making an Appointment?
Let’s face it — you can be fully aware of the issues above and still choose to skip the dentist. Many people won’t book an appointment because they’re either too broke or too afraid to sit in the dentist’s chair.
Dental Care Costs Too Much
If cost is holding you back, a line of credit might provide a solution. A lender like Fora makes it easy to research and apply online, providing a one-stop-shop for your borrowing needs. If approved, you’ll have the financial flexibility to cover the lump sum of your visit upfront.
A line of credit gives you some flexibility with your repayment since you won’t have to pay it back all at once. Instead, you can pay off your line of credit in chunks if you cover each minimum payment.
The Dentist Scares You
What if it’s dentophobia, the fear of the dentist, that’s holding you back? Look online for dental offices that cater to people like you; working with a dentist you trust can help you overcome your anxiety.
You can also try these other tips to conquer your fears:
- Bring a loved one to sit in on the appointment.
- Consider taking medications to calm you down.
- Distract yourself with music or videos.
- Try these mindful relaxation techniques.
Don’t ignore that toothache — it could be a sign of trouble brewing in your mouth! Whether it’s a cavity or gum disease, you’ll want to treat these issues right away. The early you do, the easier and less expensive your treatment will be!